Touch display device and display panel

Abstract

Touch display devices and display panels are disclosed. A display panel includes a first touch electrode in a first area, a second touch electrode in a second area, a third touch electrode in a third area, a fourth touch electrode in a fourth area, and a first connection pattern electrically connecting the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode. A connection portion between the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode can pass through an intermediate area between the first area and the second area. The first connection pattern can pass through the intermediate area between the first area and the second area, and can cross the connection portion between the third and fourth touch electrodes. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth touch electrodes can include a first metal layer and a second metal layer, which can be separated by a touch interlayer insulating layer. The first connection pattern can be disposed on one of the first metal layer and the second metal layer. The first connection pattern can be located in one of the first metal layer and the second metal layer.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0191858, filed in Korea on December 29, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to touch display devices and display panels. Background Technology

[0004] Today, there are touch display devices that provide touch-based input methods, enabling users to easily, intuitively, and conveniently input information or commands by eliminating conventional input methods such as buttons, keyboards, and mice.

[0005] To provide touch-based input functionality, a touch display device must include a touch sensor structure and touch circuitry for sensing touches. The touch sensor structure of a touch display device may include multiple touch electrodes corresponding to multiple touch sensors and multiple touch lines for electrical connections between the multiple touch electrodes and the touch circuitry. The touch circuitry (also called touch sensing circuitry) should perform touch sensing operations suitable for the touch sensor structure. Meanwhile, touch sensitivity can vary significantly depending on the electrical characteristics or conditions of the touch electrodes used as touch sensors in the touch display device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a touch display device and display panel having a resistance-reduced touch sensor structure, which has high touch sensitivity and low resistance.

[0007] Another aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure is to provide a touch display device and a display panel having a resistance-reduced touch sensor structure, which can reduce the resistance of the touch electrodes by utilizing existing metal layers without adding new metal layers to the display panel.

[0008] The touch display device according to the embodiments of this disclosure may include: a substrate, a first touch electrode line on the substrate, and a second touch electrode line on the substrate that intersects with the first touch electrode line.

[0009] In the touch display device according to embodiments of this disclosure, the first touch electrode line may include a first touch electrode, a second touch electrode, and a first connection pattern electrically connecting the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode. The second touch electrode line may include a third touch electrode and a fourth touch electrode, and the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode may be integrally formed.

[0010] In the touch display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the portion where the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode are connected may overlap with the first connection pattern.

[0011] The touch display device according to the embodiments of this disclosure may include a touch sensor metal layer and a bridging metal layer, and may also include a touch interlayer insulating layer disposed between the touch sensor metal layer and the bridging metal layer.

[0012] In the touch display device according to embodiments of this disclosure, the first touch electrode includes a first touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a first bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer. The second touch electrode includes a second touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a second bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer. The third touch electrode includes a third touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a third bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer. The fourth touch electrode includes a fourth touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a fourth bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer.

[0013] In the touch display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first connection pattern includes a first bridging metal connection pattern of a bridging metal layer, and the first bridging metal electrode, the second bridging metal electrode, the third bridging metal electrode and the fourth bridging metal electrode of the first touch electrode, the second touch electrode, the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode are disposed in the first bridging metal connection pattern.

[0014] The touch display device according to embodiments of this disclosure includes: a first touch electrode located in a first region, a second touch electrode located in a second region, a third touch electrode located in a third region, a fourth touch electrode located in a fourth region, and a first connection pattern electrically connecting the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode.

[0015] In the touch display device according to embodiments of this disclosure, the connection portion between the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode passes through the intermediate region between the first region and the second region. A first connection pattern passes through the intermediate region between the first region and the second region and intersects with the connection portion between the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode.

[0016] In the touch display device of the embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the first touch electrode, the second touch electrode, the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode includes a first metal layer and a second metal layer, and the first metal layer and the second metal layer are separated by a touch layer interlayer insulating layer.

[0017] In the touch display device of the embodiments of this disclosure, a first connection pattern is disposed on one of a first metal layer and a second metal layer.

[0018] The display panel of the embodiments of this disclosure includes: a substrate, a first touch electrode line on the substrate, and a second touch electrode line on the substrate that intersects with the first touch electrode line.

[0019] In the display panel of the embodiments of this disclosure, the first touch electrode line includes a first touch electrode, a second touch electrode, and a first connection pattern that electrically connects the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode.

[0020] In the display panel of the embodiments of this disclosure, the second touch electrode line includes a third touch electrode and a fourth touch electrode. The third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode are integrally formed.

[0021] In the display panel of the embodiments of this disclosure, the portion where the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode are connected overlaps with the first connection pattern. The overlap of the connection portion between the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode with the first connection pattern can mean that the connection portion between the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode is electrically separated from and intersects with the first connection pattern.

[0022] The display panel of the embodiments of this disclosure may include a touch sensor metal layer and a bridging metal layer, and may also include a touch interlayer insulating layer disposed between the touch sensor metal layer and the bridging metal layer.

[0023] In the display panel of the embodiments of this disclosure, the first touch electrode includes a first touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a first bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer. The second touch electrode includes a second touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a second bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer. The third touch electrode includes a third touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a third bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer. The fourth touch electrode includes a fourth touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a fourth bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer.

[0024] In the display panel of the embodiments of this disclosure, the first connection pattern includes a first bridging metal connection pattern of a bridging metal layer, and the first bridging metal electrode, the second bridging metal electrode, the third bridging metal electrode and the fourth bridging metal electrode of the first touch electrode, the second touch electrode, the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode are disposed in the first bridging metal connection pattern.

[0025] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a touch display device and display panel having a resistance-reduced touch sensor structure can be provided, which can provide high touch sensitivity and reduce the resistance of the touch electrodes without increasing the thickness of the touch sensor compared to conventional display devices and display panels.

[0026] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a touch display device and a display panel having a resistance-reduced touch sensor structure can be provided, which can reduce the resistance of the touch electrodes by using existing metal layers without adding new metal layers to the display panel. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The above and other embodiments, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a display driving system for a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a touch sensing system of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 The structure of a touch sensor for a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0031] Figure 4 Another touch sensor structure of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6 The overlapping area of ​​two touch electrode lines in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0034] Figure 7 A bridging region in the overlapping area of ​​the first touch electrode line and the second touch electrode line in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 8 The structure of a touch sensor in a bridging region of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is conceptually illustrated.

[0036] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken from line AB in the bridging region;

[0037] Figure 10 The structure of a resistance-reduced touch sensor for a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is conceptually illustrated;

[0038] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the CD line in the bridging region; and

[0039] Figure 12 It is along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view taken from the EF line in the bridging region. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In the following description of examples or embodiments of this disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples or embodiments that may be implemented, and the same reference numerals and symbols may be used to denote the same or similar components, even when they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in the following description of examples or embodiments of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and components incorporated herein will be omitted where it is determined that the description may make the subject matter of some embodiments of this disclosure considerably unclear. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” “including,” “constituting,” “made of,” and “formed from” as used herein are generally intended to allow for the addition of additional components, unless these terms are used in conjunction with the term “only.” As used herein, singular forms are intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0041] Terms such as “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(A),” or “(B)” may be used herein to describe elements of this disclosure. Each of these terms is not intended to define the nature, order, sequence, or number of elements, but only to distinguish the corresponding element from other elements.

[0042] When referring to a first element as "connected or coupled to," "in contact with," or "overlapping" with a second element, it should be understood that not only can the first element be "directly connected or coupled to" or "directly in contact with or overlap with" the second element, but a third element can be "inserted" between the first and second elements, or the first and second elements can be "connected or coupled," "in contact with," or "overlapping" with each other via a fourth element. Here, a second element can be included in at least one of two or more elements that are "connected or coupled," "in contact with," or "overlapping" with each other.

[0043] When using time-relative terms such as “after,” “following,” “next,” “before,” etc., to describe the handling or operation of an element or configuration, or a process or step in an operation, handling, or manufacturing method, these terms may be used to describe non-continuous or non-sequential handling or operation, unless the terms “directly” or “immediately after” are used together.

[0044] Furthermore, when referring to any size, relative size, etc., it should be assumed that the numerical values ​​of an element or feature, or the corresponding information (e.g., level, range, etc.), include the tolerances or error ranges that may be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external influences, noise, etc.), even when no relevant description is specified. In addition, the term "may" fully encompasses all the meanings of the term "can."

[0045] In the following, various embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the display driving system of a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 The display driving system of the touch display device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display panel 110 and a display driving circuit for driving the display panel 110.

[0048] The display panel 110 may include a display area DA for displaying images and a non-display area NDA for not displaying images.

[0049] Display panel 110 may include a plurality of subpixels SP for image display. For example, the plurality of subpixels SP may be disposed in display area DA. In some cases, at least one subpixel SP may be disposed in non-display area NDA. At least one subpixel SP disposed in non-display area NDA is also referred to as a virtual subpixel.

[0050] The display panel 110 may include multiple signal lines for driving multiple sub-pixels SP. For example, the multiple signal lines may include multiple data lines DL and multiple gate lines GL. Depending on the structure of the sub-pixel SP, the multiple signal lines may also include other signal lines. For example, other signal lines may include a drive voltage line DVL.

[0051] Multiple data lines DL and multiple gate lines GL may intersect each other. Each of the multiple data lines DL may be configured to extend in a first direction. Each of the multiple gate lines GL may be configured to extend in a second direction. Here, the first direction may be a column direction, and the second direction may be a row direction. In this specification, the column direction and the row direction are relative. For example, the column direction may be a vertical direction, and the row direction may be a horizontal direction. As another example, the column direction may be horizontal and the row direction may be vertical.

[0052] The display driving circuit may include a data driving circuit 120 for driving multiple data lines DL and a gate driving circuit 130 for driving multiple gate lines GL. The display driving circuit may also include a display controller 140 for controlling the data driving circuit 120 and the gate driving circuit 130.

[0053] The data driving circuit 120 is a circuit for driving multiple data lines DL, and can output a data voltage (also called a data signal) corresponding to the image signal to the multiple data lines DL. A data pad unit, structure, or region 121 can be disposed in the non-display area NDA of the display panel 110. The data pad unit 121 can include multiple data pads to which the multiple data lines DL are electrically connected and to which the data driving circuit 120 is electrically connected.

[0054] The gate drive circuit 130 is a circuit used to drive multiple gate lines GL, and can generate gate signals and output the gate signals to multiple gate lines GL.

[0055] The display driving circuit may further include a level shifter 160 that provides a gate clock signal to the gate driving circuit 130. The gate driving circuit 130 may generate a gate signal based on the gate clock signal sent from the level shifter 160, and output the generated gate signal to the gate line GL according to a predetermined or selected gate driving timing.

[0056] The display controller 140 can control the scanning according to the timing implemented in each frame, and can control the data drive at appropriate times according to the scanning timing. The display controller 140 can convert the input image data input from the host system 150 to match the data signal format used by the data drive circuit 120, and provide the converted image data to the data drive circuit 120.

[0057] The display controller 140 can receive display drive control signals and input image data from the external host system 150. For example, the display drive control signals may include vertical sync signals (VSYNC), horizontal sync signals (HSYNC), input data enable signals (DE), clock signals, etc.

[0058] The display controller 140 can generate data drive control signals and gate drive control signals based on display drive control signals (e.g., VSYNC, HSYNC, DE, clock signals, etc.) input from the host system 150. Here, the data drive control signals and gate drive control signals can be control signals included in the display drive control signals.

[0059] The display controller 140 can control the driving operation and driving timing of the data driving circuit 120 by providing data driving control signals to the data driving circuit 120. For example, the data driving control signals may include the source start pulse (SSP), the source sampling clock (SSC), the source output enable signal (SOE), etc.

[0060] The display controller 140 can control the driving operation and timing of the gate driving circuit 130 by providing a gate driving control signal to the gate driving circuit 130. For example, the gate driving control signal may include the gate start pulse (GSP), the gate shift clock (GSC), the gate output enable signal (GOE), etc.

[0061] The data driver circuit 120 may include one or more source driver integrated circuits (SDICs). Each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) may include a shift register, a latch circuit, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), an output buffer, etc. In some cases, the data driver circuit 120 may also include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

[0062] For example, each of the source driver integrated circuits (SDICs) can be connected to the display panel 110 via a tape-on-board (TAB) method, a chip-on-glass (COG) method, or a chip-on-panel (COP) method. Alternatively, each of the source driver integrated circuits (SDICs) can be implemented and connected to the display panel 110 via a chip-on-film (COF) method.

[0063] The gate drive circuit 130 can output a gate signal with an on-level voltage or a gate signal with an off-level voltage according to the control of the display controller 140. The gate drive circuit 130 can sequentially drive multiple gate lines GL by sequentially providing gate signals with on-level voltage to multiple gate lines GL.

[0064] The gate driving circuit 130 can be connected to the display panel 110 via a tape-on-board (TAB) method, a chip-on-glass (COG) method, or a chip-on-film (COF) method. Alternatively, the gate driving circuit 130 can be formed in the non-display area NDA of the display panel 110 as a gate-in-plane (GIP) type. The gate driving circuit 130 can be disposed on or connected to the substrate. That is, in the case of the GIP type, the gate driving circuit 130 can be disposed in the non-display area NDA of the substrate.

[0065] Meanwhile, at least one of the data driving circuit 120 and the gate driving circuit 130 may be disposed in the display area DA. For example, at least one of the data driving circuit 120 and the gate driving circuit 130 may be configured not to overlap with the sub-pixel SP. Alternatively, at least one of the data driving circuit 120 and the gate driving circuit 130 may be configured to partially or completely overlap with the sub-pixel SP.

[0066] When a specific gate line GL is driven by the gate driving circuit 130, the data driving circuit 120 can convert the image data received from the display controller 140 into a data voltage Vdata as an analog voltage, and provide the data voltage Vdata to multiple data lines DL.

[0067] The data driving circuit 120 can be connected to one side of the display panel 110 (e.g., the top or bottom). Depending on the driving method, panel design method, etc., the data driving circuit 120 can be connected to both sides of the display panel 110 (e.g., the top and bottom), or it can be connected to two or more of the four sides of the display panel 110.

[0068] The gate drive circuit 130 can be connected to one side of the display panel 110 (e.g., the left or right side). Depending on the driving method, panel design method, etc., the gate drive circuit 130 can be connected to both sides of the display panel 110 (e.g., the left and right sides), or it can be connected to two or more of the four sides of the display panel 110.

[0069] The display controller 140 can be implemented as a separate component from the data drive circuitry 120. Alternatively, the display controller 140 can be integrated with the data drive circuitry 120 to be implemented as an integrated circuit.

[0070] The display controller 140 may be a timing controller used in conventional display technologies, or a control device that includes a timing controller and is capable of further performing other control functions. The display controller 140 may be implemented using various circuits or electronic components such as integrated circuits (ICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or processors.

[0071] The display controller 140 can be mounted on a printed circuit board or flexible printed circuit and can be electrically connected to the data drive circuit 120 and the gate drive circuit 130 via the printed circuit board or flexible printed circuit.

[0072] The display controller 140 can send signals to and receive signals from the data drive circuit 120 according to one or more predetermined or selected interfaces. Here, for example, the interface may include at least one of a low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) interface, an embedded clock point-to-point interface (EPI), and a serial peripheral interface (SPI).

[0073] The display controller 140 may include a storage medium such as one or more registers.

[0074] The touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be a self-emissive display device in which the display panel 110 emits its own light. When the touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is a self-emissive display device, each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP may include a light-emitting device ED.

[0075] For example, the touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be an organic light-emitting display device in which the light-emitting device ED is implemented as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). As another example, the touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be an inorganic light-emitting display device in which the light-emitting device ED is implemented as a light-emitting diode based on inorganic materials. As yet another example, the touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be a quantum dot display device in which the light-emitting device ED is implemented as a quantum dot, where a quantum dot is a self-emissive semiconductor crystal.

[0076] Reference Figure 1 In a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each sub-pixel SP may include: a light-emitting device ED; a driving transistor DRT for controlling the current flowing to the light-emitting device ED; a scanning transistor SCT for transmitting a data voltage Vdata corresponding to an image signal to the driving transistor DRT; and a storage capacitor Cst for maintaining the voltage for a period of time.

[0077] A light-emitting device (ED) may include an anode electrode AE ​​and a cathode electrode CE, as well as a light-emitting layer EL located between the anode electrode AE ​​and the cathode electrode CE. For example, the light-emitting device ED may be one of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), inorganic light-emitting diodes, quantum dot light-emitting devices, etc.

[0078] The anode electrode AE ​​of the light-emitting device ED can be a pixel electrode disposed in each sub-pixel SP. The cathode electrode CE of the light-emitting device ED can be a common electrode. In this case, a base voltage EVSS corresponding to the common voltage can be applied to the cathode electrode CE of the light-emitting device ED. For example, the base voltage EVSS can be ground voltage or a voltage similar to ground voltage.

[0079] A driving transistor (DRT) is a transistor used to drive a light-emitting device (ED), and may include a first node N1, a second node N2, a third node N3, etc.

[0080] The first node N1 of the driving transistor DRT can be the gate node and can be electrically connected to the source node or drain node of the scanning transistor SCT.

[0081] The second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT can be either the source node or the drain node, and can be electrically connected to the anode electrode AE ​​of the light-emitting device ED.

[0082] The third node N3 of the driving transistor DRT can be either a drain node or a source node. A driving voltage EVDD can be applied to the third node N3 of the driving transistor DRT. The third node N3 of the driving transistor DRT can be electrically connected to the driving voltage line DVL that provides the driving voltage EVDD.

[0083] The scanning transistor SCT can control the connection between the first node N1 of the driving transistor DRT and the corresponding data line DL based on the scanning signal SCAN provided from the gate line GL.

[0084] The drain or source node of the scan transistor SCT can be electrically connected to the corresponding data line DL. The source or drain node of the scan transistor SCT can be electrically connected to the first node N1 of the driving transistor DRT. The gate node of the scan transistor SCT can be electrically connected to the gate line GL to receive the scan signal SCAN.

[0085] The scan transistor SCT can be turned on by a scan signal SCAN with a turn-on voltage level. The turned-on scan transistor SCT can transmit the data voltage Vdata provided from the corresponding data line DL to the first node N1 of the drive transistor DRT.

[0086] The scanning transistor SCT can be turned on by a scanning signal SCAN with a turn-on voltage level, and can be turned off by a scanning signal SCAN with a turn-off voltage level.

[0087] Here, when the scanning transistor SCT is an n-type transistor, the on-state voltage can be a high-level voltage, and the off-state voltage can be a low-level voltage. When the scanning transistor SCT is a p-type transistor, the on-state voltage can be a low-level voltage, and the off-state voltage can be a high-level voltage.

[0088] The storage capacitor Cst can be electrically connected between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT. The storage capacitor Cst can maintain the data voltage Vdata corresponding to the image signal voltage or its corresponding voltage for one frame time.

[0089] The storage capacitor Cst may not be a parasitic capacitor (e.g., Cgs, Cgd) but an external capacitor specifically designed outside the driving transistor DRT. Parasitic capacitors are internal capacitors that exist between the gate node and the source node (or drain node) of the driving transistor DRT.

[0090] For example, each of the driving transistor DRT and the scanning transistor SCT can be an n-type transistor or a p-type transistor. Both the driving transistor DRT and the scanning transistor SCT can be either n-type or p-type transistors. At least one of the driving transistor DRT and the scanning transistor SCT can be an n-type transistor (or a p-type transistor), and the other can be a p-type transistor (or an n-type transistor).

[0091] Figure 1 The structure of each subpixel SP shown is merely an example for description. Each subpixel SP may include one or more transistors, or it may also include one or more capacitors. Alternatively, each of the multiple subpixel SPs may have the same structure, and some of the multiple subpixel SPs may have different structures.

[0092] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the touch sensing system of a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Reference Figure 2 In addition to image display function, the touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may also provide touch sensing function. To provide touch sensing function, the touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a touch sensing system that senses the occurrence of a touch on a touch indicator or senses the touch position of the touch indicator.

[0094] For example, a touch indicator is a user's touch tool and may include a finger or a pen. When the touch indicator touches the display panel 110, the touch indicator may touch the display panel 110 in a contact manner, or the touch indicator may touch the display panel 110 in a non-contact manner. Here, the non-contact method may be a hover mode method.

[0095] A touch sensing system may include: a touch sensor disposed in a touch sensing area (TSA); and touch circuitry for sensing the presence and / or location of a touch by driving and sensing the touch sensor.

[0096] The touch circuit may include: a touch driving circuit 210 that drives and senses the touch sensor and outputs touch sensing data; and a touch controller 220 that uses the touch sensing data to determine a touch event or touch location (also known as touch coordinates).

[0097] The touch sensor may be included inside the display panel 110 or outside the display panel 110.

[0098] When a touch sensor is included in the display panel 110, the touch sensor can be formed during the manufacturing process of the display panel 110. When a touch sensor is included in the display panel 110, the touch sensor can be referred to as a built-in touch sensor. For example, a built-in touch sensor can include an in-cell type touch sensor or an on-cell type touch sensor.

[0099] When the touch sensor is included outside the display panel 110, the display panel 110 and the touch panel including the touch sensor are manufactured separately, and then the touch panel and the display panel 110 can be joined together. When the touch sensor is included outside the display panel 110, the touch sensor can be referred to as an external touch sensor. For example, an external touch sensor may include an add-on type touch sensor, etc.

[0100] For ease of description, it is assumed in the following text that the touch sensor is included in the display panel 110. However, it is not limited to this.

[0101] A touch sensor can be located within the touch sensing area (TSA). The position and / or size of the touch sensing area (TSA) can correspond to the position and / or size of the display area (DA). In some cases, the position and / or size of the touch sensing area (TSA) can differ from the position and / or size of the display area (DA).

[0102] A touch sensor may include multiple touch electrodes and multiple touch routing lines (also referred to as multiple touch lines). The electrical state (e.g., capacitance) of at least one of the multiple touch electrodes can change depending on whether a user touches the touch electrode. The multiple touch routing lines can electrically connect the multiple touch electrodes to a touch driving circuit 210. The touch driving circuit 210 can sense changes in the electrical state of the corresponding touch electrode through at least one of the multiple touch routing lines.

[0103] When a touch sensor is included in the display panel 110, the touch pad unit or structure or region 211 may be disposed in the non-display area NDA of the display panel 110. The touch pad unit 211 may include a plurality of touch pads to which a plurality of touch routing lines are electrically connected and touch driving circuitry 210 is electrically connected.

[0104] The touch pad unit 211 can be disposed on the substrate of the display panel 110, and can be disposed in the non-display area NDA, which is the outer area of ​​the display area DA.

[0105] The touch driver circuit 210 can generate touch sensing data by driving and sensing the touch sensor. The touch driver circuit 210 can then provide the generated touch sensing data to the touch controller 220.

[0106] Touch controller 220 can sense touch generation or touch location based on touch sensing data. Touch controller 220 or another controller interacting with it can perform predetermined or selected functions based on the sensed touch generation or determined touch location. For example, the predetermined or selected functions may include one or more of input processing, object selection processing, handwriting processing, etc.

[0107] The touch driving circuit 210 can be implemented as an integrated circuit separate from the data driving circuit 120. Alternatively, all or part of the touch driving circuit 210 can be integrated with all or part of the data driving circuit 120 to be implemented as an integrated circuit.

[0108] The touch controller 220 can be implemented separately from the display controller 140 or integrated with the display controller 140 into a single controller.

[0109] The touch sensing system of the touch display device 100 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can sense touch based on self-capacitance or mutual capacitance.

[0110] In the following text, for ease of description, it is assumed that the touch sensing system of the touch display device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is based on mutual capacitance sensing touch.

[0111] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 3 and Figure 4An example describing the structure of a touch sensor.

[0112] Figure 3 The structure of the touch sensor of a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 The touch sensor structure of the touch display device 100 shown in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be a general touch sensor structure for sensing touch based on mutual capacitance.

[0113] Reference Figure 3 The touch sensor structure of the touch display device 100 according to embodiments of this disclosure may include a plurality of touch electrode lines RX_TEL and TX_TEL. However, in this specification, each of the plurality of touch electrode lines RX_TEL and TX_TEL may also be referred to as a touch electrode.

[0114] For touch sensing based on mutual capacitance, multiple touch electrode lines RX_TEL and TX_TEL may include multiple receive touch electrode lines RX_TEL and multiple transmit touch electrode lines TX_TEL.

[0115] Multiple receive touch electrode lines RX_TEL and multiple transmit touch electrode lines TX_TEL can intersect each other. Therefore, mutual capacitance can be formed at the points where the multiple receive touch electrode lines RX_TEL and multiple transmit touch electrode lines TX_TEL overlap. Here, the points where the multiple receive touch electrode lines RX_TEL and multiple transmit touch electrode lines TX_TEL overlap can be referred to as touch nodes.

[0116] In other words, each of the multiple transmitting touch electrode lines TX_TEL can form a mutual capacitance with each of the multiple receiving touch electrode lines RX_TEL. At least one of the mutual capacitances can change depending on whether a touch is present at the corresponding location.

[0117] Reference Figure 3 The touch sensor structure of the touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a plurality of touch routing lines RX_TL and TX_TL.

[0118] The multiple touch routing lines RX_TL and TX_TL may include multiple receive touch routing lines RX_TL that electrically connect multiple receive touch electrode lines RX_TEL to the touch pad unit 211, and multiple transmit touch routing lines TX_TL that electrically connect multiple transmit touch electrode lines TX_TEL to the touch pad unit 211.

[0119] Multiple receive touch routing lines RX_TL can be electrically connected to the touch driver circuit 210 via the touch pad unit 211. Therefore, multiple receive touch routing lines RX_TL can electrically connect multiple receive touch electrode lines RX_TEL to the touch driver circuit 210.

[0120] Multiple transmit touch routing lines TX_TL can be electrically connected to the touch driver circuit 210 through the touch pad unit 211. Therefore, multiple transmit touch routing lines TX_TL can electrically connect multiple transmit touch electrode lines TX_TEL to the touch driver circuit 210.

[0121] The touch driving circuit 210 can provide a touch driving signal to at least one of a plurality of transmitting touch electrode lines TX_TEL, and sense at least one of a plurality of receiving touch electrode lines RX_TEL.

[0122] The touch electrode line TX_TEL, which sends the touch electrode, can also be called the drive touch electrode line, and the touch electrode line RX_TEL, which receives the touch electrode, can also be called the sense touch electrode line.

[0123] like Figure 3 As shown, each of the plurality of receive touch electrode lines RX_TEL is configured to extend in a row direction (e.g., the X-axis direction or the horizontal direction), and each of the plurality of transmit touch electrode lines TX_TEL can be configured to extend in a column direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction or the vertical direction).

[0124] Conversely, each of the multiple receive touch electrode lines RX_TEL is configured to extend in a column direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction or the vertical direction), and each of the multiple transmit touch electrode lines TX_TEL can be configured to extend in a row direction (e.g., the X-axis direction or the horizontal direction).

[0125] For ease of explanation, the following is an example. Figure 3 As shown, it is assumed that each of the plurality of receive touch electrode lines RX_TEL is configured to extend in the row direction (e.g., the X-axis direction or the horizontal direction), and that each of the plurality of transmit touch electrode lines TX_TEL is configured to extend in the column direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction or the vertical direction). However, it is not limited to this.

[0126] like Figure 3 As shown, each of the multiple receive touch electrode lines RX_TEL can be an electrode in the form of a bar, and each of the multiple transmit touch electrode lines TX_TEL can be an electrode in the form of a bar.

[0127] Alternatively, at least one of the receiving touch electrode line RX_TEL and the transmitting touch electrode line TX_TEL may include a plurality of touch electrodes electrically connected by a connection pattern.

[0128] For example, a receive touch electrode line RX_TEL can consist of multiple receive touch electrodes electrically connected by a receive connection pattern, and a transmit touch electrode line TX_TEL can be a strip-shaped transmit touch electrode. Here, the multiple receive touch electrodes and the transmit touch electrode are located on the same layer. The receive connection pattern can be located on a different layer than the multiple receive touch electrodes and the transmit touch electrode, or it can be located on the same layer as the multiple receive touch electrodes and the transmit touch electrode.

[0129] As another example, a receive touch electrode line RX_TEL can be a single receive touch electrode in the form of a strip, and a transmit touch electrode line TX_TEL can include multiple transmit touch electrodes electrically connected by a transmit connection pattern. Here, the multiple transmit touch electrodes and the receive touch electrode are located on the same layer. The transmit connection pattern can be located on a different layer than the multiple transmit touch electrodes and the receive touch electrode, or it can be located on the same layer as the multiple transmit touch electrodes and the receive touch electrode.

[0130] As another example, a receive touch electrode line RX_TEL may consist of multiple receive touch electrodes electrically connected via a receive connection pattern, and a transmit touch electrode line TX_TEL may include multiple transmit touch electrodes electrically connected via a transmit connection pattern. Here, the multiple receive touch electrodes and the multiple transmit touch electrodes may be located on the same layer. At least one type of receive connection pattern and transmit connection pattern may be located on a different layer than the multiple receive touch electrodes and transmit touch electrodes.

[0131] Figure 4 Another touch sensor structure of a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0132] Although Figure 4 With Figure 3 Different touch sensor structures, but Figure 4 Touch sensor structure and Figure 3 The touch sensor structure is equivalent in circuitry.

[0133] Reference Figure 4 Each of the multiple receiving touch electrode lines RX_TEL set in the touch sensing area TSA can be composed of multiple receiving touch electrodes RX_TE electrically connected through the receiving connection pattern RX_CP.

[0134] The receive connection pattern RX_CP can be located on the same layer as the multiple receive touch electrodes RX_TE, or it can be located on a different layer than the multiple receive touch electrodes RX_TE.

[0135] When the receive connection pattern RX_CP is located on the same layer as multiple receive touch electrodes RX_TE, the receive connection pattern RX_CP constituting a receive touch electrode line RX_TEL and the multiple receive touch electrodes RX_TE can be formed integrally.

[0136] Each of the multiple transmit touch electrode lines TX_TEL disposed in the touch sensing area TSA can be composed of multiple transmit touch electrodes TX_TE electrically connected by the transmit connection pattern TX_CP.

[0137] The transmit connection pattern TX_CP can be located on a different layer than the multiple transmit touch electrodes TX_TE, or it can be located on the same layer as the multiple transmit touch electrodes TX_TE.

[0138] When the transmit connection pattern TX_CP is located on the same layer as multiple transmit touch electrodes TX_TE, the transmit connection pattern TX_CP constituting a transmit touch electrode line TX_TEL and the multiple transmit touch electrodes TX_TE can be formed integrally.

[0139] Reference Figure 4 The point where the receive connection pattern RX_CP and the transmit connection pattern TX_CP overlap is the touch node where the receive touch electrode line RX_TEL and the transmit touch electrode line TX_TEL overlap. Therefore, the receive connection pattern RX_CP and the transmit connection pattern TX_CP are located on different layers. The overlap of the receive connection pattern RX_CP and the transmit connection pattern TX_CP can mean that the receive connection pattern RX_CP and the transmit connection pattern TX_CP cross each other while being electrically separated.

[0140] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the receive connection pattern RX_CP can be located on the same layer as the multiple receive touch electrodes RX_TE, and the transmit connection pattern TX_CP can be located on a different layer than the multiple transmit touch electrodes TX_TE.

[0141] Conversely, the receive connection pattern RX_CP can be located on a different layer than the multiple receive touch electrodes RX_TE, and the transmit connection pattern TX_CP can be located on the same layer as the multiple transmit touch electrodes TX_TE.

[0142] Reference Figure 4 The touch sensor structure of the touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a plurality of touch routing lines RX_TL and TX_TL.

[0143] The multiple touch routing lines RX_TL and TX_TL may include multiple receive touch routing lines RX_TL that electrically connect multiple receive touch electrode lines RX_TEL to the touch pad unit 211, and multiple transmit touch routing lines TX_TL that electrically connect multiple transmit touch electrode lines TX_TEL to the touch pad unit 211.

[0144] Multiple receive touch routing lines RX_TL can be electrically connected to the touch driver circuit 210 via multiple receive touch pads RX_TP included in the touch pad unit 211. Therefore, multiple receive touch routing lines RX_TL can electrically connect multiple receive touch electrode lines RX_TEL to the touch driver circuit 210.

[0145] Multiple transmit touch routing lines TX_TL can be electrically connected to the touch driver circuit 210 via multiple transmit touch pads TX_TP included in the touch pad unit 211. Therefore, multiple transmit touch routing lines TX_TL can electrically connect multiple transmit touch electrode lines TX_TEL to the touch driver circuit 210.

[0146] The touch driving circuit 210 can provide a touch driving signal to at least one of a plurality of transmitting touch electrode lines TX_TEL and sense at least one of a plurality of receiving touch electrode lines RX_TEL.

[0147] The touch electrode line TX_TEL that sends the touch electrode can be called the driving touch electrode line, and the touch electrode line RX_TEL that receives the touch electrode can be called the sensing touch electrode line.

[0148] Reference Figure 4 In the display panel 110 of the touch display device 100, each touch electrode TE (RX_TE, TX_TE) can be a plate-shaped touch sensor metal TSM without openings. In this case, each touch electrode TE can be a transparent electrode. That is, each touch electrode TE can be made of a transparent electrode material, so that light emitted from the plurality of sub-pixels SP disposed below can be transmitted upward.

[0149] Alternative locations, such as Figure 4As shown, each touch electrode TE disposed on the display panel 110 can be a grid-like structure similar to that in Case 1. In this case, each touch electrode TE can be formed by a touch sensor metal TSM, which is patterned into a grid shape and has multiple openings OA. The touch sensor metal TSM of each touch electrode TE is essentially a portion corresponding to the touch electrode TE, and can be a portion for which a touch driving signal is applied or a portion for which a touch sensing signal is sensed. The touch sensor metal TSM corresponding to each touch electrode TE can be located on a dam disposed in an area other than the light-emitting area of ​​the sub-pixel SP. The touch sensor metal TSM corresponding to each touch electrode TE can overlap with the dam but not with the light-emitting area of ​​the sub-pixel SP.

[0150] A grid-type touch electrode TE consists of a plurality of intersecting metal wires. In one embodiment, a first set of metal wires extends along a first direction, and a second set of metal wires extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first and second sets of metal wires intersect at right angles to form a grid, as shown below. Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown.

[0151] like Figure 4 As shown in Case 2, when each touch electrode TE is a touch sensor metal TSM patterned into a grid, multiple openings OA can exist in the area forming the touch electrode TE. Each of the multiple openings OA in each touch electrode TE can correspond to the light-emitting area of ​​one or more sub-pixels SP, or can correspond to one or more transmissive areas. That is, the multiple openings OA can serve as a path through which light emitted from one or more light-emitting devices ED located below the touch electrode TE is transmitted upward to form the light-emitting area. Alternatively, the multiple openings OA can serve as a path through which light is transmitted to form the transmissive area.

[0152] For example, the outline shape of the touch electrode TE can have various shapes, such as rhombus, rhomboid, quadrilateral, triangle, pentagon, or hexagon. Each of the multiple openings OA can have various shapes depending on the shape of the touch electrode TE or the grid shape of the touch sensor metal TSM.

[0153] Reference Figure 4As in case 2, one or more virtual metal DMs may exist in the area of ​​each touch electrode TE. One or more virtual metal DMs may be separate from the mesh-type touch sensor metal TSM. The virtual metal DMs may be located within the area of ​​the touch electrode TE while being surrounded by the touch sensor metal TSM. Unlike the touch sensor metal TSM, the virtual metal DMs are for the portion of the device where no touch drive signal is applied and no touch sensing signal is sensed, and may be floating metal. The touch sensor metal TSM is electrically connected to the touch drive circuit 210, while the virtual metal DMs are not electrically connected to the touch drive circuit 210.

[0154] One or more virtual metal DMs may exist in every region of all touch electrodes TEs. Alternatively, one or more virtual metal DMs may exist only in a portion of all touch electrodes TEs, and virtual metal DMs may not exist in the other portions of all touch electrodes TEs.

[0155] Meanwhile, regarding the role of virtual metal DMs, when there are no one or more virtual metal DMs in the area of ​​the touch electrode TE and only the touch sensor metal TSM exists in a grid pattern, a visibility problem may arise where the outline of the touch sensor metal TSM is visible on the screen. Conversely, as Figure 4 As shown, when one or more virtual metal DMs are present in the area of ​​the touch electrode TE, the visibility problem of the outline of the touch sensor metal TSM being visible on the screen can be prevented.

[0156] Furthermore, by adjusting the presence, number, or ratio of the virtual metal DM in each touch electrode TE, the capacitance can be adjusted for each touch electrode TE to improve touch sensitivity. Here, the ratio of the virtual metal DM in each touch electrode TE can be the ratio of the area occupied by the virtual metal DM in the area of ​​the touch electrode TE. Alternatively, the ratio of the virtual metal DM in each touch electrode TE can be the ratio of the area of ​​the touch sensor metal TSM to the area of ​​the virtual metal DM.

[0157] Simultaneously, by cutting (or etching) some points in the touch sensor metal TSM formed in the area of ​​a touch electrode TE, the cut touch sensor metal TSM can be formed from a virtual metal DM. That is, the touch sensor metal TSM and the virtual metal DM can be formed from the same material on the same layer.

[0158] Reference Figure 4 In Case 2, when multiple virtual metal DMs existing in the area of ​​a single touch electrode are omitted and only the touch sensor metal TSM is shown, multiple virtual area DMAs may exist in the area where the touch sensor metal TSM is located. Multiple virtual area DMAs correspond to multiple virtual metal DMs.

[0159] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the display panel 110 of the touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is along... Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken from the X-X' line.

[0160] The driving transistors (DRTs) in each sub-pixel (SP) of the display area (DA) are disposed on the substrate (SUB). For example, the substrate (SUB) can be a glass substrate, a flexible substrate such as a plastic substrate, or a transparent substrate.

[0161] The driving transistor DRT may include a first node electrode NE1 corresponding to the gate node, a second node electrode NE2 corresponding to the source node or drain node, and a third node electrode NE3 corresponding to the drain node or source node. The driving transistor DRT may also include a semiconductor layer SEMI, etc.

[0162] The gate insulating layer GI can be located between the first node electrode NE1 and the semiconductor layer SEMI. The first node electrode NE1 and the semiconductor layer SEMI can overlap each other. The second node electrode NE2 can be formed on the insulating layer INS and connected to one side of the semiconductor layer SEMI through contact holes. The third node electrode NE3 can be formed on the insulating layer INS and connected to the other side of the semiconductor layer SEMI through different contact holes.

[0163] The light-emitting device ED may include an anode electrode AE ​​corresponding to a pixel electrode, a light-emitting layer EL on the anode electrode AE, and a cathode electrode CE corresponding to a common electrode and located on the light-emitting layer EL.

[0164] The anode electrode AE ​​can be electrically connected to the second node electrode NE2 of the driving transistor DRT, which is exposed through the pixel contact hole penetrating the planarization layer PLN.

[0165] The light-emitting layer EL can be formed on the anode electrode AE ​​in the light-emitting region corresponding to the opening of the bank. The light-emitting layer EL can have a stacked structure including a hole-related layer, a light-generating layer, and an electron-related layer. The cathode electrode CE can be formed facing the anode electrode AE, with the light-emitting layer EL inserted between them.

[0166] Light-emitting diodes (EDs) are susceptible to moisture or oxygen. An encapsulation layer (ENCAP) prevents the ED from being exposed to moisture or oxygen. In other words, the ENCAP prevents the penetration of moisture or oxygen. The ENCAP can be formed as a single layer, or it can include multiple layers such as PAS1, PCL, and PAS2. Figure 5 As shown.

[0167] For example, when the encapsulation layer ENCAP consists of multiple layers PAS1, PCL, and PAS2, the encapsulation layer ENCAP may include one or more inorganic encapsulation layers PAS1 and PAS2 and at least one organic encapsulation layer PCL. As a specific example, the encapsulation layer ENCAP has a structure in which the first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1, the organic encapsulation layer PCL, and the second inorganic encapsulation layer PAS2 are stacked in sequence.

[0168] For example, an organic encapsulation layer (PCL) may also include at least one organic encapsulation layer or at least one inorganic encapsulation layer.

[0169] The first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1 can be disposed on the cathode electrode CE and positioned closest to the light-emitting device ED. The first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1 can be formed from an inorganic insulating material capable of low-temperature deposition. For example, the first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1 can be made of silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon oxynitride (SiON), or aluminum oxide (Al2O3). Because the first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1 can be deposited in a low-temperature atmosphere, it can prevent damage to the light-emitting layer EL, which includes organic materials susceptible to high-temperature atmospheres, during the deposition process.

[0170] The organic encapsulation layer PCL can have a smaller area than the first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1. In this case, the first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1 can be configured to extend beyond the organic encapsulation layer PCL. The organic encapsulation layer PCL can serve as a buffer layer to alleviate stress between layers caused by bending of the touch display device 100 as an organic light-emitting display device, and can also be used to enhance planarization performance. For example, the organic encapsulation layer PCL can be made of acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide, polyethylene, or silicon carbide (SiOC), and can be formed from an organic insulating material. For example, the organic encapsulation layer PCL can be formed by an inkjet printing method.

[0171] To prevent the encapsulation layer ENCAP from collapsing, the display panel 110 may also include one or more dams DAM1 and DMA2 located near the outermost point of the inclined surface SLP of the encapsulation layer ENCAP.

[0172] One or more dams DAM1 and DMA2 may exist at or near the boundary point between the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. For example, one or more dams DAM1 and DMA2 may be located at or near the endpoint of the inclined surface SLP of the encapsulation layer ENCAP.

[0173] One or more dam sections DAM1 and DMA2 can be disposed between the touch pad unit 211, including the touch pad TX_TP, and the display area DA. One or more dam sections DAM1 and DMA2 can be formed by a dam section forming pattern DFP, etc. For example, the dam section forming pattern DFP can include the same material as the dam section BANK.

[0174] One or more dam sections DAM1 and DMA2 may reside solely in the non-display area NDA. Alternatively, a majority of one or more dam sections DAM1 and DMA2 may reside in the non-display area NDA, and a portion of one or more dam sections DAM1 and DMA2 may span the display area DA.

[0175] When two or more dam sections DAM1 and DMA2 are formed to prevent ENCAP collapse of the encapsulation layer, the dam section closest to the display area DA is called the main dam section DAM1. The dam section located next to the main dam section DAM1 but outside of it is called the secondary dam section DAM2. The main dam section DAM1 is positioned relatively closer to the display area DA than the secondary dam section DAM2. The secondary dam section DAM2 can be positioned relatively closer to the touch pad unit 211 than the main dam section DAM1.

[0176] When the liquid organic encapsulation layer (PCL) drips onto the display area DA, the PCL may collapse along the direction of the non-display area NDA. The collapsed PCL may intrude into the pad area and cover touch pad units 211, etc. Collapse of the PCL can be prevented by using one or more dams DAM1 and DMA2. Figure 5 As shown, when two or more dam sections DAM1 and DAM2 are formed, the anti-collapse effect of the organic encapsulation layer PCL can be increased.

[0177] The main dam section DAM1 and / or the secondary dam section DAM2 can be formed as a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The main dam section DAM1 and / or the secondary dam section DAM2 can be made essentially by a dam section forming pattern DFP. The dam section forming pattern DFP can have a greater height than the touch pad TX_TP set on the touch pad unit 211.

[0178] The dam-forming pattern DFP can be formed from the same material as the dam BANK used to separate sub-pixels SP from each other, or it can be formed from the same material as the spacers used to maintain interlayer gaps. In this case, the dam-forming pattern DFP can be formed simultaneously with the dam or spacers, thus forming the dam structure without additional masking processes and cost increases.

[0179] Reference Figure 5The first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1 and / or the second inorganic encapsulation layer PAS2 may be configured to extend below or above the dam section forming pattern DFP. In this case, the main dam section DAM1 and / or the secondary dam section DAM2 may also include the first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1 and / or the second inorganic encapsulation layer PAS2 configured to extend below or above the dam section forming pattern DFP.

[0180] The organic encapsulation layer (PCL) comprising organic materials may be located only on the innermost main dam section (DAM1). That is, the organic encapsulation layer (PCL) may not be present on all dam sections (DAM1 and DAM2). Alternatively, the organic encapsulation layer (PCL) comprising organic materials may be located on at least the main dam section (DAM1) of the main dam section (DAM1) and the secondary dam section (DAM2). That is, the organic encapsulation layer (PCL) may extend only to the upper part of the main dam section (DAM1). Alternatively, the organic encapsulation layer (PCL) may extend beyond the upper part of the main dam section (DAM1) and extend to the upper part of the secondary dam section (DAM2).

[0181] The second inorganic encapsulation layer PAS2 can be disposed on a substrate SUB on which the organic encapsulation layer PCL is formed. The second inorganic encapsulation layer PAS2 can be formed to cover the upper and side surfaces of each of the organic encapsulation layer PCL and the first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1. The second inorganic encapsulation layer PAS2 can minimize, reduce, or prevent external moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1 and the organic encapsulation layer PCL.

[0182] Reference Figure 5 The touch sensor can be mounted on the ENCAP encapsulation layer. An additional touch buffer layer (T-BUF) can be mounted between the ENCAP encapsulation layer and the touch sensor.

[0183] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 4 The touch sensor may include touch electrode lines RX_TEL and TX_TEL, and touch routing lines RX_TL and TX_TL. The touch electrode lines RX_TEL and TX_TEL may include touch electrodes RX_TE and TX_TE, and connection patterns RX_CP and TX_CP.

[0184] Touch electrode lines RX_TEL and TX_TEL may include a receive touch electrode line RX_TEL and a transmit touch electrode line TX_TEL. Each receive touch electrode line RX_TEL may include a receive touch electrode RX_TE and a receive connection pattern RX_CP. Each transmit touch electrode line TX_TEL may include a transmit touch electrode TX_TE and a transmit connection pattern TX_CP.

[0185] Touch routing lines RX_TL and TX_TL can include a receive touch routing line RX_TL and a transmit touch routing line TX_TL. All or part of the transmit touch routing line TX_TL can be set on the touch buffer layer T-BUF. All or part of the receive touch routing line RX_TL can be set on the touch buffer layer T-BUF.

[0186] Since the touch sensor is located on the encapsulation layer ENCAP, which is an insulating material layer, a parasitic capacitance can be formed between the touch sensor and the cathode electrode CE.

[0187] When the touch buffer layer T-BUF is additionally disposed between the encapsulation layer ENCAP and the touch sensor, the spacing between the touch sensors TX_TE, TX_CP, RX_TE, RX_CP and the cathode electrode CE can be further increased due to the thickness of the touch buffer layer T-BUF. For example, the spacing between the touch sensors TX_TE, TX_CP, RX_TE, and RX_CP and the cathode electrode CE can be a predetermined or selected minimum or reduced spacing (e.g., 5 μm) or a predetermined optimal or selected spacing.

[0188] When the touch buffer layer T-BUF is additionally disposed between the encapsulation layer ENCAP and the touch sensors TX_TE, TX_CP, RX_TE, and RX_CP, the parasitic capacitance between the touch sensors and the cathode electrode CE can be further reduced. This further improves touch sensitivity caused by parasitic capacitance.

[0189] The touch buffer layer T-BUF may not be present on the encapsulation layer ENCAP. That is, the touch buffer layer T-BUF may not be placed between the encapsulation layer ENCAP and the touch sensor.

[0190] During the manufacturing process of touch sensors, chemical solutions (developers or etchants used in the process) or external moisture may be generated. By setting a touch buffer layer (T-BUF) and then mounting the touch sensor on it, it is possible to prevent chemical solutions or moisture from penetrating into the light-emitting layer (EL), which includes organic materials, during the manufacturing process. Therefore, the touch buffer layer (T-BUF) can prevent damage to the light-emitting layer (EL), which is susceptible to chemical solutions or moisture.

[0191] The touch buffer layer T-BUF can be formed at a low temperature below a certain level (e.g., 100 degrees Celsius) to prevent damage to the light-emitting layer EL, which contains organic materials susceptible to high temperatures, and can be formed from an organic insulating material with a low dielectric constant of 1 to 3. When an organic light-emitting display device is bent, each layer of PAS1, PCL, and PAS2 in the encapsulation layer ENCAP may be damaged, and the metal constituting the touch sensor located on the touch buffer layer T-BUF (hereinafter referred to as the touch sensor metal) may be broken. Even when the organic light-emitting display device is bent, the touch buffer layer T-BUF, made of an organic insulating material and possessing planarization properties, can prevent damage to the encapsulation layer ENCAP and / or breakage of the touch sensor metal.

[0192] According to the mutual capacitance-based touch sensor structure, the receiving touch electrode line RX_TEL and the transmitting touch electrode line TX_TEL can cross each other.

[0193] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 4 Each transmit touch electrode line TX_TEL may include multiple transmit touch electrodes TX_TE and multiple transmit bridging electrodes TX_CP. The multiple transmit bridging electrodes TX_CP may electrically connect adjacent transmit touch electrodes TX_TE among the multiple transmit touch electrodes TX_TE. Here, the transmit bridging electrode TX_CP is the electrode corresponding to the transmit connection pattern TX_CP.

[0194] The transmitting touch electrode TX_TE and the transmitting bridge electrode TX_CP can be located on different layers, with a touch interlayer insulating layer (T-ILD) inserted between them. That is, the touch interlayer insulating layer (T-ILD) can be disposed between the transmitting touch electrode TX_TE and the transmitting bridge electrode TX_CP.

[0195] The transmitting bridging electrode TX_CP can be formed on the touch buffer layer T-BUF. The transmitting bridging electrode TX_CP can be electrically connected to the adjacent transmitting touch electrode TX_TE located on the touch interlayer insulating layer T-ILD through contact holes in the T-ILD. The transmitting bridging electrode TX_CP can be configured to overlap with the dam BANK. Therefore, the reduction in aperture ratio caused by the transmitting bridging electrode TX_CP can be prevented.

[0196] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 4 Each receive touch electrode line RX_TEL may include multiple receive touch electrodes RX_TE and multiple receive connection patterns RX_CP. The multiple receive connection patterns RX_CP may electrically connect adjacent receive touch electrodes RX_TE among the multiple receive touch electrodes RX_TE.

[0197] Multiple receiving touch electrodes RX_TE and multiple receiving connection patterns RX_CP can be located on different layers, with a touch interlayer insulating layer T-ILD inserted between them. Alternatively, the multiple receiving touch electrodes RX_TE and multiple receiving connection patterns RX_CP can be integrally formed and disposed on the touch interlayer insulating layer T-ILD.

[0198] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 4 The transmit touch electrode line TX_TEL can be electrically connected to the transmit touch pad TX_TP in the touch pad unit 211 located in the non-display area NDA via the transmit touch routing line TX_TL. Similarly, the receive touch electrode line RX_TEL can be electrically connected to the receive touch pad RX_TP in the touch pad unit 211 located in the non-display area NDA via the receive touch routing line RX_TL.

[0199] The transmitting touch pad TX_TP included in the touch pad unit 211 can be electrically connected to the touch driving circuit 210. The receiving touch pad RX_TP included in the touch pad unit 211 can be electrically connected to the touch driving circuit 210.

[0200] The transmit touch pad TX_TP can be formed separately from the transmit touch routing line TX_TL, or the transmit touch pad TX_TP can be an extension of the transmit touch routing line TX_TL. Similarly, the receive touch pad RX_TP can be formed separately from the receive touch routing line RX_TL, or the receive touch pad RX_TP can be an extension of the receive touch routing line RX_TL.

[0201] At least one of the following components—the sending touch pad TX_TP, the sending touch routing line TX_TL, the receiving touch pad RX_TP, and the receiving touch routing line RX_TL—may include at least one first conductive material and may be formed as a single-layer or multi-layer structure. For example, the at least one first conductive material may include one or more of Al, Ti, Cu, Mo, etc., and may be a metal with strong corrosion resistance, strong acid resistance, and good conductivity.

[0202] For example, at least one of sending touch pad TX_TP, sending touch routing line TX_TL, receiving touch pad RX_TP, and receiving touch routing line RX_TL can be formed as a three-layer stacked structure, such as Ti / Al / Ti or Mo / Al / Mo.

[0203] The pad cover electrode capable of covering the transmitting touch pad TX_TP and the receiving touch pad RX_TP may include at least one second conductive material. For example, the at least one second conductive material may include a transparent conductive material (e.g., ITO, IZO, etc.) with strong corrosion resistance and acid resistance. The pad cover electrode is formed to be exposed by the touch buffer layer T-BUF, and therefore can be bonded to the touch driving circuit 210 or a circuit film on which the touch driving circuit 210 is mounted. The second conductive material may also be included in the touch sensors RX_TE, TX_TE, RX_CP, and TX_CP.

[0204] The touch buffer layer (T-BUF) can be formed to cover the touch sensor metal to prevent corrosion from external moisture. For example, the touch buffer layer (T-BUF) can be formed from an organic insulating material, a circular polarizing plate, or a film made of epoxy resin or acrylic material. The touch buffer layer (T-BUF) may not be on the encapsulation layer (ENCAP). That is, the touch buffer layer (T-BUF) may not be a necessary component (e.g., it may be an optional component).

[0205] Reference Figure 5 The transmit touch routing line TX_TL can be electrically connected to the transmit touch electrode line TX_TEL and extends along the inclined surface SLP of the ENCAP package layer. The transmit touch routing line TX_TL can descend along the inclined surface SLP of the ENCAP package layer, cross the upper part of at least one dam DAM1 and DAM2, and be electrically connected to the transmit touch pad TX_TP included in the touch pad unit 211.

[0206] Similarly, the receive touch routing line RX_TL can be electrically connected to the receive touch electrode line RX_TEL and extend along the inclined surface SLP of the ENCAP package layer. The receive touch routing line RX_TL can descend along the inclined surface SLP of the ENCAP package layer, pass over the upper part of at least one dam DAM1 and DAM2, and be electrically connected to the receive touch pad RX_TP included in the touch pad unit 211.

[0207] The touch protection layer PAC can be disposed on the receive touch electrode line RX_TEL and the transmit touch electrode line TX_TEL. The touch protection layer PAC can extend before or after one or more dam sections DAM1 and DAM2, and can also be disposed on the receive touch routing line RX_TL and the transmit touch routing line TX_TL. For example, the touch protection layer PAC can be an organic layer.

[0208] at the same time, Figure 5The cross-sectional view conceptually illustrates the structure. The position, thickness, or width of each pattern (various layers or various electrodes) can be varied depending on the viewing direction or position, and the connection structure of the various patterns can also be changed. Furthermore, besides... Figure 5 In addition to the layers shown, there may be additional layers, which can be omitted or integrated. Figure 5 Some of the multiple layers shown. For example, the width of the embankment bank can be greater than... Figure 5 The width shown is narrow, and the heights of dam sections DAM1 and DAM2 can be lower or higher than [the specified value]. Figure 5 The height shown.

[0209] Furthermore, the display panel 110 of the touch display device 100 according to embodiments of this disclosure may have a top-emitting structure. In this case, the anode electrode AE ​​may be a reflective metal, and the cathode electrode CE may be a transparent conductive layer.

[0210] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 6 to 12 The structure of the touch sensor built into the display panel 110 of the touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. However, for ease of explanation, the first touch electrode line TEL1 arranged in the horizontal direction and the second touch electrode line TEL2 arranged in the vertical direction will be used as examples below.

[0211] The touch display device 100 referred to in this specification can be interpreted as the display panel 110 according to the embodiment. For example, the touch sensor structure (e.g., touch electrode lines (TEL1, TEL2), overlapping area (ISA)) in the touch display device 100 described in this specification can be interpreted as being applied to the display panel 110. In this case, the touch display device 100 can correspond to the display panel 110.

[0212] Figure 6 The overlapping area ISA of two touch electrode lines TEL1 and TEL2 in a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0213] Reference Figure 6 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the display panel 110 of the touch display device 100 may include a touch sensing area TSA and touch pad units 211. The touch sensing area TSA is the area where a touch sensor for touch sensing is disposed, and may have the same area as the display area DA, or a slightly smaller or slightly larger area than the display area DA.

[0214] Reference Figure 6According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the display panel 110 of the touch display device 100 may include a first touch electrode line TEL1 and a second touch electrode line TEL2 disposed on a substrate SUB. The first touch electrode line TEL1 and the second touch electrode line TEL2 may intersect each other.

[0215] Reference Figure 6 The first touch electrode line TEL1 may include a plurality of touch electrodes TE and at least one connection pattern CP for electrically connecting the plurality of touch electrodes TE.

[0216] For example, the plurality of touch electrodes TE included in the first touch electrode line TEL1 may include a first touch electrode TE1 and a second touch electrode TE2. At least one connection pattern CP included in the first touch electrode line TEL1 may include a first connection pattern CPa for electrically connecting the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2. At least one connection pattern CP included in the first touch electrode line TEL1 may also include an additional second connection pattern CPb for electrically connecting the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2. That is, the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 can be electrically connected via the first connection pattern CPa and the second connection pattern CPb.

[0217] Reference Figure 6 The second touch electrode line TEL2 may include multiple touch electrodes TE. The multiple touch electrodes TE included in the second touch electrode line TEL2 may be integrally formed.

[0218] For example, the plurality of touch electrodes TE included in the second touch electrode line TEL2 may include a third touch electrode TE3 and a fourth touch electrode TE4. The third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch electrode TE4 may be integrally formed.

[0219] Reference Figure 6 The touch sensor located in the overlapping area ISA of the first touch electrode line TEL1 and the second touch electrode line TEL2 may include a first touch electrode TE1, a second touch electrode TE2, a first connection pattern CPa, a third touch electrode TE3 and a fourth touch electrode TE4.

[0220] In the overlapping area ISA between the first touch electrode line TEL1 and the second touch electrode line TEL2, the connection portions CPa and CPb between the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2, as well as the connection portion between the third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch electrode TE4, can overlap with each other.

[0221] Since the first touch electrode line TEL1 and the second touch electrode line TEL2 must be electrically disconnected, the connection portions CPa and CPb between the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 should be electrically disconnected from the connection portion between the third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch electrode TE4.

[0222] The first touch electrode line TEL1 can be electrically connected to the first touch pad TP1 via the first touch routing line TL1. The outermost touch electrode TE among the plurality of touch electrodes TE included in the first touch electrode line TEL1 can be electrically connected to the first touch pad TP1 via the first touch routing line TL1.

[0223] The second touch electrode line TEL2 can be electrically connected to the second touch pad TP2 via the second touch routing line TL2. The outermost touch electrode TE among the multiple touch electrodes TE included in the second touch electrode line TEL2 can be electrically connected to the second touch pad TP2 via the second touch routing line TL2.

[0224] The first touch electrode line TEL1 can be a transmitting touch electrode line TX_TEL, and the second touch electrode line TEL2 can be a receiving touch electrode line RX_TEL. Therefore, the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 can be transmitting touch electrodes TX_TE, and the third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch electrode TE4 can be receiving touch electrodes RX_TE. Furthermore, correspondingly, the first touch routing line TL1 can be a transmitting touch routing line TX_TL, and the second touch routing line TL2 can be a receiving touch routing line RX_TL.

[0225] Conversely, the second touch electrode line TEL2 can be a transmitting touch electrode line TX_TEL, and the first touch electrode line TEL1 can be a receiving touch electrode line RX_TEL. Therefore, the third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch electrode TE4 can be transmitting touch electrodes TX_TE, and the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 can be receiving touch electrodes RX_TE. Furthermore, accordingly, the second touch routing line TL2 can be a transmitting touch routing line TX_TL, and the first touch routing line TL1 can be a receiving touch routing line RX_TL.

[0226] The structure of the touch sensor in the bridging region BA within the overlapping area ISA between the first touch electrode line TEL1 and the second touch electrode line TEL2 will be described in more detail below. The bridging region BA is the area where the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 are electrically connected by a first connection pattern CPa and a second connection pattern CPb. Furthermore, the bridging region BA is the area where the connection portions (first connection pattern CPa and second connection pattern CPb) between the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 and the connection portions between the third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch electrode TE4 substantially intersect each other.

[0227] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a bridging region BA in the overlapping region ISA of the first touch electrode line TEL1 and the second touch electrode line TEL2 in a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 The touch sensor structure in the bridging region BA of a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is conceptually illustrated, and Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view taken from the AB line in the bridging region BA.

[0228] exist Figure 7 In one embodiment shown, the line including the bridging metal connection pattern BM to link TE1 to TE2 is located exactly below the line including TE3 and TE4. This can be seen from the darker lines at the CPa and CPb locations, as the two metal lines completely overlap and are separated by an insulating layer.

[0229] Reference Figures 7 to 9 The touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include two metals for forming a touch sensor structure.

[0230] For example, the two metals used to form the touch sensor structure may include a touch sensor metal and a bridging metal. The touch sensor metal may be the metal that constitutes the touch electrode TE, and the bridging metal may be the metal that constitutes the connection pattern CPa and CPb.

[0231] Reference Figure 9 The bridging metal can be disposed on the touch buffer layer T-BUF above the encapsulation layer ENCAP. In the following text, the layer containing the bridging metal will be referred to as the bridging metal layer BML. The touch interlayer insulating layer T-ILD can be disposed on the bridging metal layer BML, and the touch sensor metal can be disposed on the touch interlayer insulating layer T-ILD. In the following text, the layer containing the touch sensor metal will be referred to as the touch sensor metal layer TSML.

[0232] Reference Figures 7 to 9The first touch electrode TE1 may include a first touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE1] formed of touch sensor metal. The first touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE1] may be a grid-type electrode with two or more openings OA.

[0233] The second touch electrode TE2 may include a second touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE2] formed of touch sensor metal. The second touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE2] may be a grid-type electrode with two or more openings OA.

[0234] The third touch electrode TE3 may include a third touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE3] formed of touch sensor metal. The third touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE3] may be a grid-type electrode with two or more openings OA.

[0235] The fourth touch electrode TE4 may include a fourth touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE4] formed of touch sensor metal. The fourth touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE4] may be a grid-type electrode with two or more openings OA.

[0236] Reference Figures 7 to 9 The third touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE3] of the third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE4] of the fourth touch electrode TE4 can be integrally connected (formed).

[0237] Reference Figures 7 to 9 The first touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE1] of the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE2] of the second touch electrode TE2 can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

[0238] The first touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE1] of the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE2] of the second touch electrode TE2 can be electrically connected through the first connection pattern CPa.

[0239] For a stable connection, the first touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE1] of the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE2] of the second touch electrode TE2 can be electrically connected through the first connection pattern CPa and the second connection pattern CPb.

[0240] Each of the first connection pattern CPa and the second connection pattern CPb may include a bridging metal connection pattern BM[TE1, TE2] formed by bridging metal.

[0241] Reference Figures 7 to 9The connection portion (TSM[TE3, TE4]) between the third touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE3] and the fourth touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE4] can intersect with the first connection pattern Cpa and the second connection pattern CPb. The first connection pattern Cpa and the second connection pattern CPb can be patterns that electrically connect the first touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE1] and the second touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE2].

[0242] Reference Figures 7 to 9 The connection portion (TSM[TE3,TE4]) between the third touch sensor metal electrode (TSM[TE3]) and the fourth touch sensor metal electrode (TSM[TE4]) can be located in the touch sensor metal layer (TSML). The bridging metal connection patterns BM[TE1,TE2] constituting the first connection pattern CPa and the second connection pattern CPb can be located in the bridging metal layer BML.

[0243] Therefore, the first touch electrode line TEL1, which includes the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2, and the second touch electrode line TEL2, which includes the third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch electrode TE4, can overlap but are electrically isolated from each other.

[0244] Meanwhile, as described above, the touch electrode TE, which serves as the actual touch sensor for touch sensing, can be formed from a single metal layer called the touch sensor metal layer (TSM). Therefore, the touch electrode TE may have a resistance large enough to adversely affect touch sensitivity. In particular, since the display panel 110 has a large area, the length of the signal transmission path may increase, and thus, the resistance of the touch electrode TE may increase further.

[0245] Therefore, the touch display device 100 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can have a resistance-reduced touch sensor structure. Hereinafter, reference will be made to... Figures 10 to 12 The structure of the resistance-reduced touch sensor in the touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in more detail.

[0246] Figure 10 The structure of a resistance-reduced touch sensor in a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown conceptually. Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view taken from the CD line in the bridging region BA. Figure 12 It is along Figure 10 The cross-sectional view taken from the EF line in the bridging region BA. This can also be referred to in the following explanation. Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 .

[0247] Reference Figure 10 The first touch electrode line TEL1 may include a first touch electrode TE1 and a second touch electrode TE2. The first touch electrode line TEL1 may also include a first connection pattern CPa that electrically connects the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2. The second touch electrode line TEL2 may include a third touch electrode TE3 and a fourth touch electrode TE4. The third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch electrode TE4 may be integrally formed (connected).

[0248] The first touch electrode line TEL1 can be a transmitting touch electrode line TX_TEL, and the second touch electrode line TEL2 can be a receiving touch electrode line RX_TEL. Therefore, the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 can be transmitting touch electrodes TX_TE, and the third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch electrode TE4 can be receiving touch electrodes RX_TE.

[0249] Conversely, the second touch electrode line TEL2 can be the transmitting touch electrode line TX_TEL, and the first touch electrode line TEL1 can be the receiving touch electrode line RX_TEL. Therefore, the third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch electrode TE4 can be the transmitting touch electrode TX_TE, and the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 can be the receiving touch electrode RX_TE.

[0250] Reference Figure 10 The first touch electrode TE1 can be located in the first region A1, the second touch electrode TE2 can be located in the second region A2, the third touch electrode TE3 can be located in the third region A3, and the fourth touch electrode TE4 can be located in the fourth region A4.

[0251] The first connection pattern CPa can electrically connect the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2. The first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 can be electrically connected not only through the first connection pattern CPa, but also through the second connection pattern CPb. When the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 are electrically connected through the first connection pattern CPa and the second connection pattern CPb, the electrical connection between the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 can be further stabilized.

[0252] The connection portion TSM[TE3, TE4] between the third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch electrode TE4 can pass through the intermediate region between the first region A1 and the second region A2.

[0253] The first connection pattern CPa can pass through the middle region between the first region A1 and the second region A2. The first connection pattern CPa can intersect with the connection portion TSM[TE3, TE4] between the third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch electrode TE4.

[0254] Reference Figures 10 to 12 In the reduced resistance touch sensor structure (reduced resistance touch sensor structure) of the touch display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, touch electrodes TE1 to TE4 can be configured using two metal layers, and connection patterns CPa and CPb can be configured using one of the two metal layers. Here, the two metal layers may include a first metal layer and a second metal layer.

[0255] The resistance-reducing touch sensor structure of the touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is a touch sensor structure that achieves resistance reduction by using two metal layers. The resistance-reducing touch sensor structure of the touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure does not reduce resistance by simply increasing the number of metal layers used to form the touch electrodes. The resistance-reducing touch sensor structure of the touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure has a structure in which two touch electrode lines are electrically separated while crossing, and a structure utilizing two metal layers already in use. The resistance-reducing touch sensor structure of the touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an efficient use and design structure of two metal layers already in use.

[0256] The unique feature of the resistance-reduced touch sensor structure of the touch display device 100 according to the embodiments of this disclosure is that the resistance-reduced structure is designed using the existing touch sensor metal layer TSML and bridging metal layer BML, without adding new metal layers.

[0257] In the resistance-reduced touch sensor structure of the touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first touch electrode, the second touch electrode, the third touch electrode, and the fourth touch electrodes TE1 to TE4 may include a first metal layer and a second metal layer. The first metal layer and the second metal layer may be separated by a touch interlayer insulating layer (T-ILD).

[0258] In the resistance-reduced touch sensor structure of the touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection portion TSM[TE3, TE4] to which the third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch electrode TE4 are connected may intersect with the first connection pattern CPa. The first connection pattern CPa may be disposed on one of the first metal layer and the second metal layer.

[0259] In the resistance-reduced touch sensor structure of the touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first metal layer may be a touch sensor metal layer TSML, and the second metal layer may be a bridging metal layer BML. Alternatively, the first metal layer may be a bridging metal layer BML, and the second metal layer may be a touch sensor metal layer TSML.

[0260] The resistance-reduced touch sensor structure of the touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below.

[0261] Reference Figures 10 to 12 The first touch electrode TE1 may include a first touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE1] of the touch sensor metal layer TSML and a first bridging metal electrode BM[TE1] of the bridging metal layer BML. The first touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE1] may be located in the touch sensor metal layer TSML, and the first bridging metal electrode BM[TE1] may be located in the bridging metal layer BML. Here, the interlayer insulating layer T-ILD may be disposed between the touch sensor metal layer TSML and the bridging metal layer BML.

[0262] The second touch electrode TE2 may include a second touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE2] in the touch sensor metal layer TSML and a second bridging metal electrode BM[TE2] in the bridging metal layer BML. The second touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE2] may be located in the touch sensor metal layer TSML, and the second bridging metal electrode BM[TE2] may be located in the bridging metal layer BML.

[0263] The third touch electrode TE3 may include the third touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE3] of the touch sensor metal layer TSML and the third bridging metal electrode BM[TE3] of the bridging metal layer BML. The third touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE3] may be located in the touch sensor metal layer TSML, and the third bridging metal electrode BM[TE3] may be located in the bridging metal layer BML.

[0264] The fourth touch electrode TE4 may include the fourth touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE4] of the touch sensor metal layer TSML and the fourth bridging metal electrode BM[TE4] of the bridging metal layer BML. The fourth touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE4] may be located in the touch sensor metal layer TSML, and the fourth bridging metal electrode BM[TE4] may be located in the bridging metal layer BML.

[0265] The first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 can be electrically connected by a first connection pattern CPa. That is, the first connection pattern CPa can be a pattern (electrode) that electrically connects the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2. The first connection pattern CPa may include a first bridging metal connection pattern BM[TE1, TE2] of the bridging metal layer BML.

[0266] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The first touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE1] and the first bridging metal electrode BM[TE1] can be electrically connected through the through-holes in the touch interlayer insulating layer T-ILD. The second touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE2] and the second bridging metal electrode BM[TE2] can also be electrically connected through the through-holes in the touch interlayer insulating layer T-ILD.

[0267] Reference Figure 10 The third touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE3] and the third bridging metal electrode BM[TE3] can be electrically connected through the vias of the touch interlayer insulating layer T-ILD. The fourth touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE4] and the fourth bridging metal electrode BM[TE4] can be electrically connected through the vias of the touch interlayer insulating layer T-ILD.

[0268] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The first bridging metal electrode BM[TE1] of the first touch electrode TE1 and the second bridging metal electrode BM[TE2] of the second touch electrode TE2 can be integrally formed with the first bridging metal connection pattern BM[TE1, TE2] included in the first connection pattern CPa.

[0269] Alternatively, the first bridging metal electrode BM[TE1] and the second bridging metal electrode BM[TE2] can be electrically connected by separately formed first bridging metal connection patterns BM[TE1, TE2].

[0270] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 12 The touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE3, TE4], which serves as the connection between the third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch electrode TE4, can be electrically connected to the second bridging metal connection pattern BM[TE3, TE4] located in the bridging metal layer BML through the through-hole of the touch interlayer insulating layer T-ILD.

[0271] Reference Figures 10 to 12In the region where the connection portion TSM[TE3, TE4] between the third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch electrode TE4 overlaps with the first connection pattern CPa, each of the third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch electrode TE4 may be partially formed solely by touch sensor metal located in the touch sensor metal layer TSML.

[0272] In other words, refer to Figures 10 to 12 In the region where the connection portion TSM[TE3, TE4] connecting the third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch electrode TE4 overlaps with the first connection pattern CPa, the third touch electrode TE3 may only include the third touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE3] in the third touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE3] and the third bridging metal electrode BM[TE3], and the fourth touch electrode TE4 may only include the fourth touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE4] in the fourth touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE4] and the fourth bridging metal electrode BM[TE4].

[0273] Here, the area where the touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE3, TE4], which is the connection part between the third touch electrode TE3 and the fourth touch electrode TE4, overlaps with the first connection pattern CPa can be included in the bridging area BA, and can be the intermediate area between the first area A1 and the second area A2.

[0274] Reference Figures 10 to 12 Each of the first touch sensor metal electrode, the second touch sensor metal electrode, the third touch sensor metal electrode, and the fourth touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE1] to TSM[TE4] can be a grid-type electrode with two or more openings OA. Each of the first bridging metal electrode, the second bridging metal electrode, the third bridging metal electrode, and the fourth bridging metal electrode BM[TE1] to BM[TE4] can be a grid-type electrode with two or more openings OA. The first bridging metal connection pattern BM[TE1, TE2] can be a grid-type pattern with two or more openings OA. The second bridging metal connection pattern BM[TE3, TE4] can be a grid-type pattern with two or more openings OA.

[0275] Each of two or more openings OA can correspond to the light-emitting area of ​​at least one sub-pixel SP.

[0276] The resistance-reducing touch sensor structure according to embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to... Figure 5 The display panel 110 has a vertical structure. Therefore, the first touch electrode line TEL1 and the second touch electrode line TEL2 can be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENCAP.

[0277] according to Figure 5 In the vertical structure of the display panel 110, in each of the multiple openings OA of the embankment BANK, one of the multiple light-emitting layers EL can be disposed on one of the multiple anode electrodes AE.

[0278] The first touch sensor metal electrode, the second touch sensor metal electrode, the third touch sensor metal electrode and the fourth touch sensor metal electrode TSM[TE1] to TSM[TE4], the first bridging metal electrode, the second bridging metal electrode, the third bridging metal electrode and the fourth bridging metal electrode BM[TE1] to BM[TE4], and the first bridging metal connection pattern BM[TE1, TE2] included in the resistance-reduced touch sensor structure according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may overlap with the embankment BANK.

[0279] The first touch electrode line TEL1 can be a transmitting touch electrode line TX_TEL to which a touch drive signal with a variable voltage level is applied, and the second touch electrode line TEL2 can be a receiving touch electrode line RX_TEL to which the first touch electrode line TEL1 forms a capacitance.

[0280] Conversely, the second touch electrode line TEL2 can be a transmitting touch electrode line TX_TEL to which a touch drive signal with a variable voltage level is applied, and the first touch electrode line TEL1 can be a receiving touch electrode line RX_TEL to which the second touch electrode line TEL2 forms a capacitance.

[0281] Reference Figure 6 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a touch display device 100 having a resistance-reduced touch sensor structure may include: a touch pad unit 211 disposed outside a substrate SUB and including a first touch pad TP1 and a second touch pad TP2; a first touch routing line TL1 electrically connected to a first touch electrode line TEL1 and the first touch pad TP1; and a second touch routing line TL2 electrically connected to a second touch electrode line TEL2 and the second touch pad TP2.

[0282] Reference Figure 5 In a touch display device 100 having a resistance-reduced touch sensor structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the encapsulation layer ENCAP may include a tilted surface SLP on its outer side (e.g., in its outer region).

[0283] Reference Figure 5In a touch display device 100 with a resistance-reduced touch sensor structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first touch routing line TL1 may be provided along the inclined surface SLP of the encapsulation layer ENCAP to be electrically connected to a first touch pad TP1, and a second touch routing line TL2 may be provided along the inclined surface SLP of the encapsulation layer ENCAP to be electrically connected to a second touch pad TP2.

[0284] When the resistance-reduced touch sensor structure according to the embodiments of this disclosure is extended and applied, the first touch routing line TL1 and the second touch routing line TL2 can be bimetallic lines disposed on the touch sensor metal layer TSML and the bridging metal layer BML.

[0285] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the display panel 110 of the touch display device 100 with a resistance-reduced touch sensor structure may further include at least one dam section DAM1 and DAM2 disposed between the inclined surface SLP of the encapsulation layer ENCAP and the touch pad unit 211. A first touch routing line TL1 and a second touch routing line TL2 may pass through the upper portion of at least one dam section DAM1 and DAM2.

[0286] The encapsulation layer ENCAP may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1, an organic encapsulation layer PCL on the first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer PAS2 on the organic encapsulation layer PCL. Here, at least one dam portion DAM1 and DAM2 may include a portion extending therefrom at least one of the first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer PAS2.

[0287] The display panel 110 of the touch display device 100 with a resistance-reduced touch sensor structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a touch buffer layer T-BUF on the encapsulation layer ENCAP. In this case, the first touch electrode line TEL1 and the second touch electrode line TEL2 may be disposed on the touch buffer layer T-BUF.

[0288] The display panel 110 of the touch display device 100 with a reduced resistance touch sensor structure according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a touch protective layer PAC disposed on the first touch electrode line TEL1 and the second touch electrode line TEL2. The touch protective layer PAC may include an organic layer. The touch protective layer PAC may extend to the outside to cover the touch pad unit 211.

[0289] The implementation of the above-described disclosure will now be briefly described.

[0290] A touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a substrate, a first touch electrode line on the substrate, and a second touch electrode line on the substrate that intersects with the first touch electrode line.

[0291] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first touch electrode line includes a first touch electrode, a second touch electrode, and a first connection pattern electrically connecting the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode. The second touch electrode line includes a third touch electrode and a fourth touch electrode, wherein the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode are integrally formed.

[0292] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the portion where the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode are connected overlaps with the first connection pattern.

[0293] A touch display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a touch sensor metal layer and a bridging metal layer, and may also include a touch interlayer insulating layer disposed between the touch sensor metal layer and the bridging metal layer.

[0294] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first touch electrode includes a first touch sensor metal electrode in a touch sensor metal layer and a first bridging metal electrode in a bridging metal layer. A second touch electrode includes a second touch sensor metal electrode in a touch sensor metal layer and a second bridging metal electrode in a bridging metal layer. A third touch electrode includes a third touch sensor metal electrode in a touch sensor metal layer and a third bridging metal electrode in a bridging metal layer. A fourth touch electrode includes a fourth touch sensor metal electrode in a touch sensor metal layer and a fourth bridging metal electrode in a bridging metal layer.

[0295] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first connection pattern includes a first bridging metal connection pattern of a bridging metal layer, wherein the first bridging metal electrode, the second bridging metal electrode, the third bridging metal electrode, and the fourth bridging metal electrode of the first touch electrode, the second touch electrode, the third touch electrode, and the fourth touch electrode are disposed in the first bridging metal connection pattern.

[0296] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first touch sensor metal electrode and a first bridging metal electrode are electrically connected to each other through at least one first through-hole in the touch interlayer insulating layer, a second touch sensor metal electrode and a second bridging metal electrode are electrically connected to each other through at least one second through-hole in the touch interlayer insulating layer, a third touch sensor metal electrode and a third bridging metal electrode are electrically connected to each other through at least one third through-hole in the touch interlayer insulating layer, and a fourth touch sensor metal electrode and a fourth bridging metal electrode are electrically connected to each other through at least one fourth through-hole in the touch interlayer insulating layer.

[0297] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first bridging metal electrode and a second bridging metal electrode are integrally formed with a first bridging metal connection pattern.

[0298] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first bridging metal electrode and a second bridging metal electrode are electrically connected via a first bridging metal connection pattern.

[0299] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the region where the portion where the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode are connected overlaps with the first connection pattern, the third touch electrode includes a third touch sensor metal electrode in the third touch sensor metal electrode and a third bridging metal electrode, and the fourth touch electrode includes a fourth touch sensor metal electrode in the fourth touch sensor metal electrode and a fourth bridging metal electrode.

[0300] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first touch electrode line is a driving touch electrode line (also called a transmitting touch electrode line) to which a touch driving signal having a fluctuating voltage level is applied, and a second touch electrode line is a sensing touch electrode line (also called a receiving touch electrode line) that forms a capacitance with the first touch electrode line.

[0301] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second touch electrode line is a driving touch electrode line (also called a transmitting touch electrode line) to which a touch driving signal having a fluctuating voltage level is applied, and the first touch electrode line is a sensing touch electrode line (also called a receiving touch electrode line) that forms a capacitance with the second touch electrode line.

[0302] In the touch display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the first touch sensor metal electrode, the second touch sensor metal electrode, the third touch sensor metal electrode, and the fourth touch sensor metal electrode is a grid-type electrode having two or more openings, and each of the first bridging metal electrode, the second bridging metal electrode, the third bridging metal electrode, and the fourth bridging metal electrode is a grid-type electrode having two or more openings. The first bridging metal connection pattern is a grid-type pattern having two or more openings.

[0303] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of two or more openings corresponds to the light-emitting area of ​​at least one sub-pixel.

[0304] The touch display device according to embodiments of this disclosure further includes a plurality of anode electrodes disposed on a substrate, a plurality of light-emitting layers disposed on the plurality of anode electrodes, a cathode electrode disposed on the plurality of light-emitting layers, and an encapsulation layer disposed on the cathode electrode. A first touch electrode line and a second touch electrode line are disposed on the encapsulation layer.

[0305] The touch display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure further includes a dam portion disposed on a substrate and having a plurality of openings. In each of the plurality of openings, one of the plurality of light-emitting layers is disposed on one of the plurality of anode electrodes.

[0306] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first touch sensor metal electrode, the second touch sensor metal electrode, the third touch sensor metal electrode and the fourth touch sensor metal electrode, the first bridging metal electrode, the second bridging metal electrode, the third bridging metal electrode and the fourth bridging metal electrode, and the first bridging metal connection pattern overlap with the embankment.

[0307] The touch display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure further includes: a touch pad unit disposed in an outer region of a substrate and including a first touch pad and a second touch pad; a first touch routing line electrically connected to a first touch electrode line and the first touch pad; and a second touch routing line electrically connected to a second touch electrode line and the second touch pad.

[0308] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the encapsulation layer includes a tilted surface and the tilted surface is located outside the encapsulation layer. A first touch routing line is disposed along the tilted surface of the encapsulation layer and electrically connected to a first touch pad. A second touch routing line is disposed along the tilted surface of the encapsulation layer and electrically connected to a second touch pad. The first touch routing line and the second touch routing line are bimetallic lines located in a touch sensor metal layer and a bridging metal layer.

[0309] The touch display device according to embodiments of this disclosure further includes at least one dam disposed between an inclined surface of the encapsulation layer and a touch pad unit. A first touch routing line and a second touch routing line cross the at least one dam.

[0310] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the encapsulation layer includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer on the first inorganic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer on the organic encapsulation layer. At least one dam includes a portion extending therefrom at least one of the first and second inorganic encapsulation layers.

[0311] The touch display device according to embodiments of this disclosure further includes a touch buffer layer on the encapsulation layer. A first touch electrode line and a second touch electrode line are disposed on the touch buffer layer.

[0312] The touch display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure further includes an organic layer disposed on the first touch electrode line and the second touch electrode line.

[0313] A touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first touch electrode located in a first region, a second touch electrode located in a second region, a third touch electrode located in a third region, a fourth touch electrode located in a fourth region, and a first connection pattern electrically connecting the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode.

[0314] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection portion between the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode passes through the intermediate region between the first region and the second region. A first connection pattern passes through the intermediate region and intersects with the connection portion between the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode.

[0315] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first touch electrode, the second touch electrode, the third touch electrode, and the fourth touch electrode includes a first metal layer and a second metal layer, and the first metal layer and the second metal layer are separated by an inter-touch layer insulating layer.

[0316] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first connection pattern is disposed on one of a first metal layer and a second metal layer.

[0317] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first touch electrode, the second touch electrode, the third touch electrode, and the fourth touch electrode is a grid-type electrode having two or more openings. Each of the two or more openings has a position corresponding to a light-emitting area of ​​at least one sub-pixel.

[0318] A display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a substrate, a first touch electrode line on the substrate, and a second touch electrode line on the substrate that intersects the first touch electrode line.

[0319] In a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first touch electrode line includes a first touch electrode, a second touch electrode, and a first connection pattern electrically connecting the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode.

[0320] In a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second touch electrode line includes a third touch electrode and a fourth touch electrode. The third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode are integrally formed.

[0321] In a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the portion where the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode are connected overlaps with the first connection pattern.

[0322] The display panel according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a touch sensor metal layer and a bridging metal layer, and may also include a touch interlayer insulating layer disposed between the touch sensor metal layer and the bridging metal layer.

[0323] In a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first touch electrode includes a first touch sensor metal electrode in a touch sensor metal layer and a first bridging metal electrode in a bridging metal layer. A second touch electrode includes a second touch sensor metal electrode in a touch sensor metal layer and a second bridging metal electrode in a bridging metal layer. A third touch electrode includes a third touch sensor metal electrode in a touch sensor metal layer and a third bridging metal electrode in a bridging metal layer. A fourth touch electrode includes a fourth touch sensor metal electrode in a touch sensor metal layer and a fourth bridging metal electrode in a bridging metal layer.

[0324] In a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first connection pattern includes a first bridging metal connection pattern of a bridging metal layer, wherein the first bridging metal electrode, the second bridging metal electrode, the third bridging metal electrode, and the fourth bridging metal electrode of the first touch electrode, the second touch electrode, the third touch electrode, and the fourth touch electrode are disposed in the first bridging metal connection pattern.

[0325] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a touch display device and display panel with a resistance-reduced touch sensor structure can be provided, which can provide high touch sensitivity and reduce the resistance of the touch electrodes without increasing the thickness of the touch sensor compared to conventional touch display devices and display panels.

[0326] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a touch display device and a display panel having a resistance-reduced touch sensor structure can be provided, which can reduce the resistance of the touch electrodes by using existing metal layers without adding new metal layers to the display panel.

[0327] The above description has been presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the technical concepts of this disclosure, and has been provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications, additions, and substitutions to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The above description and figures provide examples of the technical concepts of this disclosure for illustrative purposes only. That is, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical concepts of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown, but should be consistent with the widest scope consistent with the claims. The scope of protection should be understood based on the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the scope of equivalents should be understood to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0328] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications mentioned in and / or listed in the application data sheets are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. If necessary, aspects of the embodiments can be modified to incorporate concepts from various patents, applications and publications to provide further embodiments.

[0329] Based on the detailed description above, these and other changes can be made to the embodiments. Generally, the terminology used in the appended claims should not be construed as limiting the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be interpreted to include all possible embodiments and the full scope of equivalents of such claims. Therefore, the claims are not limited by this disclosure.

[0330] Inventive concept

[0331] This invention provides the following inventive concept:

[0332] 1. A display device, comprising:

[0333] substrate;

[0334] A first touch electrode line on the substrate, the first touch electrode line having a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode; and

[0335] A second touch electrode line intersects the first touch electrode line on the substrate, the second touch electrode line having a third touch electrode and a fourth touch electrode, wherein the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode are integrally formed.

[0336] A bridging metal layer having a first connection pattern, the first connection pattern electrically connecting the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode;

[0337] The first touch electrode line and the second touch electrode line are located within the metal layer of the touch sensor.

[0338] The portions where the third and fourth touch electrodes are connected overlap with and are aligned with the first connection pattern.

[0339] The first bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer;

[0340] An interlayer insulating layer is disposed between the touch sensor metal layer and the bridging metal layer; and

[0341] The second touch electrode includes a second touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a second bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer.

[0342] 2. The display device according to inventive concept 1, wherein the first connecting pattern is a first grid comprising a plurality of metal lines, and the bridging electrode is a second grid comprising a plurality of metal lines; and

[0343] The metal lines of the first grid are aligned with the metal lines of the second grid.

[0344] 3. The display device according to inventive concept 1, wherein the first touch sensor metal electrode and the first bridging metal electrode are electrically connected through at least one first through-hole in the interlayer insulating layer of the touch sensor.

[0345] The second touch sensor metal electrode and the second bridging metal electrode are electrically connected through at least one second through-hole in the interlayer insulating layer of the touch sensor.

[0346] The third touch sensor metal electrode and the third bridging metal electrode are electrically connected through at least one third through-hole in the interlayer insulating layer of the touch sensor.

[0347] The fourth touch sensor metal electrode and the fourth bridging metal electrode are electrically connected through at least one fourth through hole in the interlayer insulating layer of the touch sensor.

[0348] 4. The display device according to inventive concept 1, wherein the first bridging metal electrode and the second bridging metal electrode are integrally formed with the first bridging metal connection pattern.

[0349] 5. The display device according to inventive concept 1, wherein the first bridging metal electrode and the second bridging metal electrode are electrically connected through the first bridging metal connection pattern.

[0350] 6. The display device according to inventive concept 1, wherein in the region where the portion where the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode are connected overlaps with the first connection pattern,

[0351] The third touch electrode includes the third touch sensor metal electrode and the third bridging metal electrode, and

[0352] The fourth touch electrode includes the fourth touch sensor metal electrode and the fourth bridging metal electrode.

[0353] 7. The display device according to inventive concept 1, wherein the first touch electrode line includes a driving touch electrode line, a touch driving signal including a fluctuating voltage level is applied to the driving touch electrode line, and the second touch electrode line includes a sensing touch electrode line forming a capacitance with the first touch electrode line.

[0354] 8. The display device according to inventive concept 1, wherein the second touch electrode line includes a driving touch electrode line, a touch driving signal including a fluctuating voltage level is applied to the driving touch electrode line, and the first touch electrode line includes a sensing touch electrode line forming a capacitance with the second touch electrode line.

[0355] 9. The display device according to inventive concept 1, wherein each of the first touch sensor metal electrode, the second touch sensor metal electrode, the third touch sensor metal electrode, and the fourth touch sensor metal electrode includes a first mesh-type electrode comprising two or more first openings, and each of the first bridging metal electrode, the second bridging metal electrode, the third bridging metal electrode, and the fourth bridging metal electrode includes a second mesh-type electrode comprising two or more second openings, and

[0356] The first bridging metal connection pattern includes a third grid pattern containing two or more third openings.

[0357] 10. The display device according to inventive concept 9, wherein each of the two or more first openings, the two or more second openings and the two or more third openings corresponds to the light-emitting area of ​​at least one sub-pixel.

[0358] 11. The display device according to inventive concept 1 further includes:

[0359] Multiple anode electrodes are disposed on the substrate;

[0360] Multiple light-emitting layers are respectively disposed on the plurality of anode electrodes;

[0361] Cathode electrodes disposed on the plurality of light-emitting layers; and

[0362] An encapsulation layer disposed on the cathode electrode

[0363] The first touch electrode line and the second touch electrode line are disposed on the encapsulation layer.

[0364] 12. The display device according to inventive concept 11 further includes a dam portion disposed on the substrate and having a plurality of openings.

[0365] In each of the plurality of openings, one of the plurality of light-emitting layers is disposed on one of the plurality of anode electrodes, and

[0366] The first touch sensor metal electrode, the second touch sensor metal electrode, the third touch sensor metal electrode, the fourth touch sensor metal electrode, the first bridging metal electrode, the second bridging metal electrode, the third bridging metal electrode, the fourth bridging metal electrode, and the first bridging metal connection pattern overlap with the embankment.

[0367] 13. The display device according to inventive concept 11 further includes:

[0368] A touch pad unit is disposed in the outer region of the substrate and includes a first touch pad and a second touch pad;

[0369] A first touch routing line, electrically connected to the first touch electrode line and the first touch pad; and

[0370] The second touch routing line is electrically connected to the second touch electrode line and the second touch pad.

[0371] The encapsulation layer includes a sloped surface, and the sloped surface is located in the outer region of the encapsulation layer.

[0372] The first touch routing line is disposed along the inclined surface of the encapsulation layer and electrically connected to the first touch pad.

[0373] The second touch routing line is disposed along the inclined surface of the encapsulation layer and electrically connected to the second touch pad, and

[0374] The first touch routing line and the second touch routing line are bimetallic lines located in the touch sensor metal layer and the bridging metal layer.

[0375] 14. The display device according to inventive concept 13 further includes: at least one dam disposed between the inclined surface of the encapsulation layer and the touch pad unit.

[0376] The first touch routing line and the second touch routing line cross the at least one dam section.

[0377] 15. The display device according to inventive concept 14, wherein the encapsulation layer comprises a first inorganic encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer on the first inorganic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer on the organic encapsulation layer.

[0378] The at least one dam section includes a portion extending therefrom at least one of the first inorganic encapsulation layer and the second inorganic encapsulation layer.

[0379] 16. The display device according to inventive concept 11 further includes a touch buffer layer on the encapsulation layer, wherein the first touch electrode line and the second touch electrode line are disposed on the touch buffer layer.

[0380] 17. The display device according to inventive concept 1 further includes an organic layer disposed on the first touch electrode line and the second touch electrode line.

[0381] 18. The display device according to inventive concept 1,

[0382] The third touch electrode includes a third touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a third bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer.

[0383] The fourth touch electrode includes a fourth touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a fourth bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer.

[0384] The first connection pattern includes a first bridging metal connection pattern in the bridging metal layer, and the first bridging metal electrode, the second bridging metal electrode, the third bridging metal electrode, and the fourth bridging metal electrode are disposed in the bridging metal layer.

[0385] 19. A display panel, comprising:

[0386] substrate;

[0387] Transistors on the substrate;

[0388] A light-emitting device electrically connected to the transistor;

[0389] Encapsulation layer on the light-emitting device;

[0390] A first touch electrode, a second touch electrode, a third touch electrode, and a fourth touch electrode are disposed in a first metal layer on the encapsulation layer. Each of the first touch electrode, the second touch electrode, the third touch electrode, and the fourth touch electrode is composed of a grid, the grid having a plurality of metal lines intersecting each other within each electrode.

[0391] An electrical connection component located between the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode in the first metal layer;

[0392] An electrical connection bridge located in a second metal layer different from the first metal layer between the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode, the electrical connection bridge being composed of a plurality of metal lines positioned to align with a grid including the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode; and

[0393] An insulating layer between the first metal layer and the second metal layer.

[0394] 20. The display panel according to inventive concept 19, wherein the metal lines of the electrical connection bridge extend a first distance parallel to a first set of metal lines of the grid of the first touch electrode and extend a second distance perpendicular to the first set of metal lines of the first touch electrode.

[0395] 21. The display panel according to inventive concept 20, wherein a first portion of the metal wire of the electrical connection bridge is perpendicular to a second portion of the metal wire of the electrical connection bridge, and the first portion and the second portion form a right angle at their intersection.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: substrate; A first touch electrode line on the substrate, the first touch electrode line having a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode; as well as A second touch electrode line intersects the first touch electrode line on the substrate, the second touch electrode line having a third touch electrode and a fourth touch electrode, wherein the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode are integrally formed. A bridging metal layer having a first connection pattern, the first connection pattern electrically connecting the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode; Wherein, the first touch electrode line and the second touch electrode line are in the touch sensor metal layer, and the bridging metal layer and the touch sensor metal layer are different layers; The portions where the third and fourth touch electrodes are connected overlap with and are aligned with the first connection pattern. The first touch electrode includes a first touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a first bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer; An interlayer insulating layer is disposed between the touch sensor metal layer and the bridging metal layer; and The second touch electrode includes a second touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a second bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The portion where the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode are connected is a first grid comprising multiple metal lines, and the bridging metal layer is a second grid comprising multiple metal lines; as well as The metal lines of the first grid are aligned with the metal lines of the second grid.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first touch sensor metal electrode and the first bridging metal electrode are electrically connected through at least one first through-hole in the interlayer insulating layer of the touch sensor. The second touch sensor metal electrode and the second bridging metal electrode are electrically connected through at least one second through-hole in the interlayer insulating layer of the touch sensor. The third touch electrode includes a third touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a third bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer; the fourth touch electrode includes a fourth touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a fourth bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer. The third touch sensor metal electrode and the third bridging metal electrode are electrically connected through at least one third through-hole in the interlayer insulating layer of the touch sensor. The fourth touch sensor metal electrode and the fourth bridging metal electrode are electrically connected through at least one fourth through hole in the interlayer insulating layer of the touch sensor.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first bridging metal electrode and the second bridging metal electrode are integrally formed with the first connection pattern.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first bridging metal electrode and the second bridging metal electrode are electrically connected through the first connection pattern.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The third touch electrode includes a third touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a third bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer, and the fourth touch electrode includes a fourth touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a fourth bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer; Specifically, in the area where the portion connecting the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode overlaps with the first connection pattern... The third touch electrode includes the third touch sensor metal electrode and the third bridging metal electrode, and The fourth touch electrode includes the fourth touch sensor metal electrode and the fourth bridging metal electrode.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first touch electrode line includes a driving touch electrode line to which a touch driving signal with a fluctuating voltage level is applied, and the second touch electrode line includes a sensing touch electrode line that forms a capacitance with the first touch electrode line.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second touch electrode line includes a driving touch electrode line to which a touch driving signal with a fluctuating voltage level is applied, and the first touch electrode line includes a sensing touch electrode line that forms a capacitance with the second touch electrode line.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The third touch electrode includes a third touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a third bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer, and the fourth touch electrode includes a fourth touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a fourth bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer; Wherein, each of the first touch sensor metal electrode, the second touch sensor metal electrode, the third touch sensor metal electrode, and the fourth touch sensor metal electrode includes a first mesh-type electrode containing two or more first openings, and each of the first bridging metal electrode, the second bridging metal electrode, the third bridging metal electrode, and the fourth bridging metal electrode includes a second mesh-type electrode containing two or more second openings, and The first connection pattern includes a third grid pattern containing two or more third openings.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the two or more first openings, the two or more second openings, and the two or more third openings corresponds to the light-emitting area of ​​at least one sub-pixel.

11. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: Multiple anode electrodes are disposed on the substrate; Multiple light-emitting layers are respectively disposed on the plurality of anode electrodes; Cathode electrodes disposed on the plurality of light-emitting layers; as well as An encapsulation layer disposed on the cathode electrode The first touch electrode line and the second touch electrode line are disposed on the encapsulation layer.

12. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising a dam portion disposed on the substrate and having a plurality of openings, in, In each of the plurality of openings, one of the plurality of light-emitting layers is disposed on one of the plurality of anode electrodes, and The third touch electrode includes a third touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a third bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer, and the fourth touch electrode includes a fourth touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a fourth bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer. The first touch sensor metal electrode, the second touch sensor metal electrode, the third touch sensor metal electrode, the fourth touch sensor metal electrode, the first bridging metal electrode, the second bridging metal electrode, the third bridging metal electrode, the fourth bridging metal electrode, and the first connecting pattern overlap with the embankment.

13. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising: A touch pad unit is disposed in the outer region of the substrate and includes a first touch pad and a second touch pad; The first touch routing line is electrically connected to the first touch electrode line and the first touch pad; as well as The second touch routing line is electrically connected to the second touch electrode line and the second touch pad. The encapsulation layer includes a sloped surface, and the sloped surface is located in the outer region of the encapsulation layer. The first touch routing line is disposed along the inclined surface of the encapsulation layer and electrically connected to the first touch pad. The second touch routing line is disposed along the inclined surface of the encapsulation layer and electrically connected to the second touch pad, and The first touch routing line and the second touch routing line are bimetallic lines located in the touch sensor metal layer and the bridging metal layer.

14. The display device according to claim 13, further comprising: At least one dam is disposed between the inclined surface of the encapsulation layer and the touch pad unit. The first touch routing line and the second touch routing line cross the at least one dam section.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, The encapsulation layer includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer on the first inorganic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer on the organic encapsulation layer. The at least one dam section includes a portion extending therefrom at least one of the first inorganic encapsulation layer and the second inorganic encapsulation layer.

16. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising a touch buffer layer on the encapsulation layer, wherein the first touch electrode line and the second touch electrode line are disposed on the touch buffer layer.

17. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising an organic layer disposed on the first touch electrode line and the second touch electrode line.

18. The display device according to claim 1, in, The third touch electrode includes a third touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a third bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer. The fourth touch electrode includes a fourth touch sensor metal electrode in the touch sensor metal layer and a fourth bridging metal electrode in the bridging metal layer. The first connection pattern includes a first bridging metal connection pattern in the bridging metal layer, and the first bridging metal electrode, the second bridging metal electrode, the third bridging metal electrode, and the fourth bridging metal electrode are disposed in the bridging metal layer.

19. A display panel, comprising: substrate; Transistors on the substrate; A light-emitting device electrically connected to the transistor; Encapsulation layer on the light-emitting device; A first touch electrode, a second touch electrode, a third touch electrode, and a fourth touch electrode are disposed in a first metal layer on the encapsulation layer. Each of the first touch electrode, the second touch electrode, the third touch electrode, and the fourth touch electrode is composed of a grid, the grid having a plurality of metal lines intersecting each other within each electrode. An electrical connection component located between the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode in the first metal layer; An electrical connection bridge is located in a second metal layer different from the first metal layer between the third touch electrode and the fourth touch electrode, the electrical connection bridge being composed of a plurality of metal lines positioned to align with a plurality of metal lines including the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode; as well as An insulating layer between the first metal layer and the second metal layer.

20. The display panel according to claim 19, wherein, The metal wires of the electrical connection bridge extend a first distance parallel to the first set of metal wires of the first touch electrode grid and extend a second distance perpendicular to the first set of metal wires of the first touch electrode.

21. The display panel according to claim 20, wherein, The first portion of the metal wire of the electrical connection bridge is perpendicular to the second portion of the metal wire of the electrical connection bridge, and the first portion and the second portion form a right angle at their intersection.

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